Clamps do work ok with CATV hardline, but you have to be careful as it is very
easy to crush the hardline. Also, waterproofing is always a pain.
As W7WKR posted, I also adapt pin connectors, which are the standard way of
terminating catv hardline. Here are some comments:
Pin connectors have the same thread size (5/8") that is found on so-239s or N
connectors. They are fairly cheap to buy new or can be found on ebay. One
difficulty with pin connectors compared to many other hardline connectors is
that it is nearly impossible to install them on catv hardline unless you have
a coring tool of the right size to fit the hardline. This is because the pin
connectors clamp onto the shield from both sides, so you have to completely
remove the insulation from the hardline for 1-2" back up into the cable. Coring
tools are > $100 new, but I have found them used for $20-$40. The used ones are
often pretty worn out: however, with care you can sharpen the cutting parts
with a file or stone, which makes a big difference. It can also be tricky to
figure out how much center conductor you need sticking out for a given pin
connector- some of the connectors have little tick marks on the outside that
show the correct length to cut the center conductor.
Once you have the pin connector on, then:
1. For type N: the body of a "clamp" type N connector will screw directly onto
the pin connector (discard the smaller clamp part with male threads that
normally goes on the RG-8). I just cut the pin to length and file the end down
to a point. You do have to be careful that the point is not too wide, otherwise
it might break the female contact.
2. For UHF: there are similar clamp-type UHF connectors available with the same
5/8 thread in the connector body. Here is one example:
https://www.w5swl.com/Coax-Connector-UHF-Female-Clamp-fits-RG-8AU-RG-213-Series-Cable--by-W5SWL_p_466.html
just cut the pin to the right length, solder on the center female connector,
and screw the body on.
3. You can also just drill a hole in a metal box and attach the pin connector
with a nut meant to go on SO239s.
There are also splice connectors to join two pieces of hardline. These are nice
because they don't require any waterproofing. There are also some that end in
an F connector instead of a pin.
Tor
N4OGW
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 8:25:09 AM CDT, Rob Atkinson
<ranchorobbo@gmail.com> wrote:
For 160 m. frequencies, connectors on hardline that preserve the
geometry (Z) of the line aren't needed. You can dress the line (i.e.
strip back the jacket and dielectric) and make connections to
transmitters and loads with copper strap that's wrapped around the
center and shield and held with brass nuts and bolts or hose clamps.
Use brass clamps if working with aluminum.
73
Rob
K5UJ
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